Looking to shake things up and become a better version of yourself? Here is a fun 30-day self-improvement challenge that will help you create positive and impactful changes in your life.
If you lurk around the internet as much as I do, you’re probably more than familiar with terms like self-improvement, personal growth, and self-development.
These are some heavy words, no doubt, and what they signify can often be intimidating as heck.
That’s probably the reason why people feel scared to venture into this territory.
Something that has the power to change your life drastically has to be hard, right?
Um, not really.
I’ve just turned 24 this month (hurray!) and while this number isn’t big enough to scream experience and wisdom, I’ve learned my fair share of lessons during my existence so far.
The most important of which is that big changes don’t come from big actions.
When it comes to self-improvement, it’s the tiny actions that often lead to success and growth.
And the more fun you can squeeze out of your goals and ambitions, the easier it is to become who you want to be.
To prove my point, I’ve compiled a list of 30 small tasks that you need to finish over the next 30 days.
Consider this a fun self-improvement challenge, if you will.
You’ll be introduced to some beautiful habits along the way that you can either choose to keep or discard.
Read on to discover a simpler and sweeter side of self-improvement and change your life for the better in just a month’s time.
P.S.: Printable for the challenge available at the end of the post. Don’t leave without downloading it.
How To Improve Your Life In 30 Days
1. Drink 8 glasses of water
Let’s kickstart your self-improvement journey with a simple yet powerful habit — Hydration.
Drinking enough water can improve concentration and energy levels, and do wonders for your mood.
See what it feels like to hit that sweet goal of drinking 8 glasses of water per day, and if you like how you feel at the end of the day, keep up this habit for the remaining days of the challenge.
2. Create a to-do list for the day
Get your plans for the day out on paper by creating a to-do list.
Write down challenging tasks like ‘do a 30-minute workout’ and also include your simple goals like ‘morning coffee by the window’.
The more specific you can be with your list, the more focused you’ll be while tackling each of the tasks.
This little habit is awesome for prioritizing your tasks and giving attention to each area of your life.
Related: 15 Lists To Make To Organize Your Life
3. Do a random act of kindness
There’s nothing better than being kind naturally, but something about deliberate kindness is satisfying on another level.
For the third day of this challenge, do an act of kindness with the intention to brighten someone’s day.
Give a balloon to a kid, leave a generous tip, compliment a stranger, or offer to help out a colleague.
Tiny acts like these can create ripples of positivity and take your contentment to another level.
4. Listen to a podcast for 20 minutes
If you’re someone who already listens to podcasts, then this is going to be fun for you. Hit play on an episode of your favorite podcast or start a new one!
For those of you who don’t listen to podcasts, you should, it’s highly inspiring.
On day 4, spend at least 20 minutes listening to a podcast and enjoy the sense of connection that it brings.
This can be your go-to way to curb loneliness and enjoy being alone (without really being alone, I guess?).
My current favorites:
- ‘On My Mind’ by Ava Jules
- ‘Mary’s Cup Of Tea’ by Mary Jelkovsky
- ‘Growing With The Flow’ by Nayna Florence
5. Draw something (even if you’re not so good at it)
I don’t consider myself an artist by any means, but drawing is so therapeutic that there’s no other replacement in my hobby list for it.
Find an inspiring art on Pinterest that resonates with you and try to recreate it in your journal. Add colors of your choice to make it yours.
Don’t aim for perfectionism. This is just for your eyes and the child that lives inside you.
6. Finish one chapter of a self-help book
Pick up any self-help book that’s been sitting on your shelf, and finish a chapter from it.
Highlight the important parts, act upon the lessons that you learn from it, and try to finish the whole book by the end of this challenge.
7. Text someone ‘I love you’
There are people in your life you care deeply about, but how often do you express your love for them?
The thought might bring you discomfort, make you feel vulnerable, or perhaps you might think they won’t care enough.
But all of these are moot points because the only reason you need to say ‘I love you’ is to practice gratitude and remind yourself of your own capabilities to love.
Text someone from your circle ‘I love you’ and add a sweet emoji next to it. Can be your parents, a sibling, or your bestie (an evergreen option).
8. Hug yourself for a minute
Got a minute to spare for some self-love? I think you do.
Take a few deep breaths to center yourself, visualize some positive force running through your veins, and then set a timer for a minute.
Now, close your arms around you so that it feels like you’re hugging yourself.
Don’t think much, just let yourself feel all the love coming from your heart until it feels like you’re full.
Allow a big smile to take over your face, and absorb all the nourishing emotions that come from this little experience.
9. Compliment someone
You can choose to compliment someone on their smile, their style, or even their behavior.
I’ve come to realize that I prefer compliments on my nature or hard work rather than my appearance.
But a compliment’s still a compliment.
Whatever you go for, make sure you mean what you say. Genuine compliments are uplifting for both the giver and the receiver.
10. One-minute mindfulness breaks
Set a timer for one minute at random intervals throughout the day.
When it goes off, pause and simply observe your thoughts and feelings without judgment. Let them come and go like clouds in the sky.
11. Have a technology-free meal
I have included three tasks in this challenge that will prompt you to ditch your devices.
Here is the first and the easiest one — Enjoy a meal without any electronic distractions.
No phone, no television, no computer screen.
Eat slowly, and keep your focus on your food (the way you’re always meant to but don’t).
Must read: 10 Smart Ways To Reduce Your Screen Time
12. Try a new workout
Nobody enjoys working out initially. It’s something you have to slowly build your affinity for.
On day 12, get yourself to try a new workout and see if you can turn this into a regular habit.
Could be a power walk, a 20-minute cardio from YouTube, or dancing to your favorite Taylor Swift songs!
13. Practice a hobby you enjoy
Hobbies aren’t just ways to fill your free time.
They provide you an outlet to let out suppressed creativity, release tension, and engage your inner child.
Pick up a hobby you enjoy and spend quality time engaging your senses in it.
You can go for cooking, gardening, journaling, story writing, and even walking outdoors.
14. Reflect on your day before bed
Make your bedtime mindful and productive by reflecting on your day.
You can do this in your head or use your journal. Consider your accomplishments, challenges, and moments of gratitude.
Bedtime reflection will help you learn from mistakes and avoid repeating them the next day.
You’ll also be able to sleep without any worries and wake up feeling recharged.
15. Try a new healthy recipe
Hate it or love it, there’s no denying the fact that healthy food is the key to your overall well-being.
Experiment with a new healthy recipe, whether it’s for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
You don’t have to go full-out here (although if you want to, you definitely can).
Maybe prepare a colorful salad, a nourishing soup, a delicious smoothie, or a flavorful stir-fry?
16. Declutter one area of your home
Choose one area of your home to declutter, whether it’s a drawer, a closet, or a countertop.
Clutter can create physical and mental chaos in your life and is something you should be eliminating from time to time.
17. Practice a positive affirmation
Positive affirmations are powerful statements that reinforce your self-belief and refill your optimism tank.
Choose one positive affirmation for day 15, such as “I am capable of achieving my goals” or “I deserve love and happiness.”
The catch here is that you should relate to your chosen affirmation 100%. Nothing surface-level.
Practice your chosen affirmation throughout the day by repeating it in your head to keep yourself up and motivated.
18. Start your day with movement
Do some light exercise or yoga first thing in the morning to boost energy levels and calm down your mind.
Recommended exercise: Any workout by Growwithjo on YouTube, a quick walk in nature, or yoga.
19. Explore nature
Spend time outdoors connecting with nature.
Take a walk in the park, go for a hike, or just sit in your backyard and soak up the sights and sounds around you.
You should notice a drastic improvement in your mood, courtesy of Mother Nature’s healing tendencies.
20. Have a digital detox for a specified period
Disconnect from electronic devices for a designated period and give yourself a much-needed digital detox.
Could be for a few hours or the entire day.
Use this time to engage in offline activities with your loved ones or by yourself.
21. Take a gratitude shower
While taking your shower, focus on feeling the warm water on your skin and the cleansing sensation.
Silently thank your body for all it does for you, and extend gratitude to the other aspects of life you appreciate.
22. Practice mindfulness meditation for 10 minutes
Set aside a quiet moment to focus on your breath and observe your thoughts without judgment.
This will heighten your awareness, reduce stress, and cultivate inner peace.
23. Sort out your inbox
Sort out your inbox to simplify your email system.
Go through the unread emails, delete the ones you don’t need, and unsubscribe from newsletters you don’t read.
If you’d like to, create folders to categorize the remaining emails.
24. Identify time wasters
We all have certain activities in our routine that waste our time without us even being aware.
For this step of the 30-day self-improvement challenge, track your activities and identify things that steal your time.
Awareness is the first step to minimizing time waste and being more productive in the future.
Might help: 10 Pointless Things That Waste Your Time
25. Follow a morning routine
Get up earlier than your usual time, make a checklist of morning rituals you’d like to tick off and follow your personalized morning routine.
Tick off each habit as you get it done, and enjoy the satisfaction of starting your day well.
26. Practice mindful eating
Slow down your eating and savor each bite of your meals, paying attention to the flavors, textures, and sensations.
Eating mindfully can help you develop a healthier relationship with food and tick off your health goals with patience.
27. Spend some time doing nothing
The idea of doing nothing usually makes people restless, especially when they’re on a quest for self-improvement.
But in this fast-paced and productivity-obsessed world, being able to stay still is an art. Sometimes, it’s what your mind needs from you.
So, carve out about a few minutes from your busy routine and do absolutely nothing.
Lie on your couch idly, sit on the floor in quiet, or pluck at the grass while sitting in your backyard.
Embrace the solitude that comes from this activity, and don’t let guilt trespass.
28. Don’t engage in any negative talk
Start this day by declaring out loud to yourself, “Today, I will not engage in any negative talk about anyone or myself.”
Be mindful during your conversations with others and also watch out for any self-sabotaging internal talk.
This one shift in mindset will challenge you to abandon your negative nature and unclog your positivity channels.
29. Write a positive short story
Pick up a notebook or your laptop, and create a short and sweet story with a positive morale.
You can write something based on the animal kingdom, a princess stuck in a castle, or make yourself the main character!
Don’t think too much, just let the words flow. This is not for a competition, so you can make it as simple or complex as you’d like.
30. Have a no-phone day
Spend the last day of your 30-day self-improvement challenge without your phone, and give yourself a break from the notifications and distractions.
In your free time, do something meaningful and reconnect with yourself and the world around you.
A powerful end to a powerful challenge.
30 Days Can Change Your Life
The aim of this self-improvement challenge is to make you step outside your comfort zone without it being too big of a deal.
The challenge for each day is simple and realistic, and I can assure you they are super fun too.
Grab the cute printable above and get started with your 30-day self-improvement challenge now!
Similar post: How To Glow Up In A Week Naturally – 7 Day Glow Up Challenge
Got any thoughts on the tasks of this challenge? Leave a few words in the comment box for me and I’ll get back to you soon.
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